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Armenian Assembly renews calls for investigation into Turkey’s influence in US

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Michael Flynn's opposition in concert with Turkey against a U.S. military operationWASHINGTON, D.C. – With the latest revelations regarding Lieutenant General Michael Flynn’s opposition in concert with Turkey against a U.S. military operation that had been planned for months, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) renewed its call for a thorough investigation of Turkey’s surreptitious influence over U.S. officials to the detriment of U.S. national security.

Today, the Assembly sent letters to the Senate Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC), Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA), House Intelligence Chairman David Nunes (R-CA), and Ranking Member Adam Schiff (D-CA) highlighting key concerns on this matter.

“Time and time again, we have seen Turkey’s corrosive attempts to influence U.S. policy. Given the aforementioned issues, we respectfully renew our request for a thorough investigation of Turkish activities that compromise America’s national security and democratic institutions,” Assembly Co-Chairs Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian said.

Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. stated: “It is even more troublesome that [Flynn] failed to disclose his actions and that he may have compromised our efforts to defeat ISIS in order to please his former client. With Mr. Flynn’s willingness to conceal relationships with foreign powers, we must investigate if there are other interactions that have yet to be revealed.”

According to a report in McClatchy Washington Bureau, “Flynn’s rejection of a military operation that had been months in the making raises questions about what other key decisions he might have influenced…”

This new revelation follows Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn’s November 8th op-ed in The Hill wherein Flynn argued that “we need to see the world from Turkey’s perspective.” Flynn was paid over $500,000 for his work on behalf of Turkey according to his recent FARA filing, which he failed to disclose until he was caught.

 

News about Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn comes just after a brutal attack by Turkish bodyguards against those peacefully protesting in front of the Turkish Ambassador’s residence.

Concert focuses on Armenian music

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Ara Topouzian is quick to say he loves music and performing, but his performances also preserve traditional Armenian folk music.

“I want to pass it along. Our music stopped in 1915 — no more folk songs, art, authors were produced. The history of Armenians stopped with the genocide,” he said. “It survived not because of tape recorders or records, but in people — in their heats and souls. They escaped with that. It’s important. It means the music survived another 100 years.”

Topouzian plays the kanun, a 76-string Middle Eastern laptop harp, and will be performing Friday at the Phoenix Theaters Laurel Park Place in Livonia before two showings of “The Promise,” a film set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire when more than one million Armenians were massacred. Directed by Terry George, who also directed “Hotel Rwanda,” the film stars Christian Bale, Oscar Isaac and Shohreh Aghdashloo.

The film showings and concerts by Topouzian are being hosted by the Armenian National Committee of Michigan. Both of the concert/film showings are sold out.

“We were displaced. It was an attempt to drive us to extinction. Music is history to me. It tells a story,” he said. “Anytime I perform or lecture on music, my part is to preserve Armenian culture and educate others on our history. And equally important, I love the music.”

A Farmington Hills resident, Topouzian works full time heading the Troy Chamber of Commerce and formerly worked for the Farmington Chamber of Commerce. Topouzian took up the kanun, which he describes as the grandfather to the piano, after he graduated from high school.

“The kanun dates to the fifth century — it’s still played today. I had always played music since I was a child, but not Armenian or Middle Eastern music,” Topouzian said. “I grew up in a very Armenian home — both my parents are Armenian. They never forced it on me. There was music in the house and records.”

So growing up, Topouzian said he was exposed to traditional Armenian music and would attend events in the Armenian community. “I loved the exotic sound of the music compared to western music,” he said. “In essence, you’re bending notes, sort of in-between the notes typically heard in western music. It’s a different rhythm and sounds.”

Over the years, Topouzian has performed concerts, at festivals and private events across the country, made several recordings and did work on shows for PBS. That includes work on a documentary about the history of Armenian music in Detroit. Topouzian has received numerous awards, including a 2012 Kresge Artist Fellowship through the Kresge Foundation.

The Armenian genocide, when 1.5 million people were systematically killed by the Ottoman Empire, isn’t a particularly well-known chapter in history. Along with preserving the culture of Armenians, Topouzian is hoping the mainstream film will reach more people.

“What they didn’t take was our musical history,” Topouzian said. “This film is very important to the Armenian people, but it is equally important for the non-Armenian community to watch and embrace it. Through this movie, audiences will have a chance to learn more about the Armenian genocide.”

It’s a tragedy that forced Armenians to flee their homes and many ended up in the Detroit area.

“We are all here due to the genocide. I’m in Michigan because of it. Parts of my family escaped. Many Armenians came to Detroit because Henry Ford was offering work at $5 a day,” Topouzian said.
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Source: http://www.hometownlife.com/story/entertainment/2017/04/18/concert-focuses-armenian-music/100412092/

Paris: Sting Reopens Bataclan Concert Hall a Year After Massacre

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paris-bataclanThe Bataclan theater in Paris reopened November 12 with a concert by Sting. The theater had been closed since the terrorist attacks last November that killed 130 people, 89 in the Bataclan.

Sting, who played the Bataclan in 1979 with The Police, opened his set by mentioning the victims. 

“We’ve got two important things to do tonight,” he said in French, Billboard magazine reports. “First, to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the attacks a year ago and to celebrate the life and the music of this historic venue.”

He and the crowd then observed a moment of silence. Afterward, saying “We shall not forget them,” Sting began “Fragile,” which contains the lyrics “Tomorrow’s rain will wash the stains away/But something in our minds will always stay” and “Nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could.” The rocker also played a song called “Inshallah,” explaining the Arabic term as a “word of hope,” according to Billboard. His set list was clearly designed to be a crowd-pleaser, liberally sprinkled with hits from his days with The Police and his solo career. 

Security was intense as the concert hall reopened, with armed police, extensive barricades and body searches. BBC reporter Nick Garnett said he was searched three times before being allowed to enter. 

“It was difficult going through that door,” said Elodie Suigo, who lost six friends in the attack. “I don’t think I was the only one …. We cannot say it was a magical moment because of everything that changed in our lives. But [Sting] is a really great man,” she said, according to the Associated Press. Aurelien Perrin, 25, survived the Bataclan massacre but had friends who did not. “I came alone tonight,” he told the Associated Press. “It’s very emotional, as I keep getting flashbacks of that night. I was standing just there, just the other side of the bar when it happened. Tonight is the first time I’ve been back here since,” he said. “I’m here because it’s important to finally finish a concert that was never allowed to end. It’s for the memory of my friend and for all the 90 people who died,” he said. Jules Frutos, who has been one of the managers of the venue for 12 years, said “We had to go on after such horror and not leave a mausoleum, a tomb,” the AFP reported.

The concert hall had, of course, been cleaned and refurbished to its original state, and the smell of fresh paint lingered. It will be closed again November 13, the actual anniversary of the bloodbath in which terrorists associated with Daesh attacked cafes, a stadium and the Bataclan in the worst terrorist violence ever to hit France. 

More than 1,700 people are official recognized as victims of the attacks. Nine remain hospitalized and others are paralyzed or otherwise permanently injured. More than 600 are still receiving psychological treatment related to the attacks, the French government says.

Proceeds from the show will go to two charities that help survivors, Sting said. The Bataclan reported that all 1,000 tickets to the event sold out quickly and that they’d given other tickets to the families of those slain in the massacre last year. The hall has a capacity of 1,500.  Psychologists and counselors were on hand at the venue, the BBC reported.

Read more: https://sputniknews.com/society/201611131047379089-Sting-opens-bataclan/

Turkish singer Sıla’s concerts canceled after she called democracy rally “Show”

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Erdogan showTurkish singer Sıla Gençoğlu’s concerts in four provinces have been canceled over her remarks on the Aug. 7 democracy rally in Istanbul in the aftermath of the failed coup attempt which she described as a “show.”

“[…] There are also artists who describe the fight of our people claiming our country as a show and mock that honorable stance and will. Therefore, the planned Sept. 21 and 22 concerts of one of those artists, Sıla Gençoğlu, in Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater have been canceled by our municipality,” the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality said in a statement.

Sıla had previously said she did not want to attend the rally, calling it a “show.”

“I am absolutely against the coup but I do not prefer to be inside such a show,” Sıla said, while stressing that she stood by her words.

“I do not want to comment on this issue. Of course those who wanted to take it wrong did so but I stand by my words. Do not we say democracy? Well, I expressed my opinion and said what I thought,” she said.

In addition to concert cancelations in Istanbul, Sıla’s Aug. 11 concert in the capital Ankara, Sept. 28 concert in the northwestern province of Bursa and her upcoming concert in the Central Anatolian province of Kayseri were also canceled due to her remarks.

Meanwhile, the hashtag #SılaYalnızDeğildir (Sıla is not alone) hit the worldwide Twitter trending topic list after the cancelations.

Millions of people, including a number of celebrities and artists, gathered on Aug. 7 at a meeting venue in Istanbul’s Yenikapı district for a massive joint democracy rally to protest the July 15 failed coup attempt.

August/11/2016

 

Concert dedicated to Pope’s visit starts at Republic Square

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pope visit concertYEREVAN. – A concert dedicated to the visit of Pope Francis starts at Republic Square of Yerevan.

The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Armeniawill preform “Celebratory Overture” by Alexander Harutyunyan. Also, the National Academic Choir of Armenia led by Maestro Hovanes Chekijian will participate in the concert.

The concert also features Adagio and “Spartacus’ Victory” from the ballet “Spartacus” by Aram Khachaturian.

The Voice’ star Christina Grimmie shot dead at Florida concert

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Voice' star Christina Grimmie

Voice’ star Christina Grimmie

American singer-songwriter Christina Grimmie has died after an attacker shot at her at a concert in Orlando, Florida. She was signing autographs for fans when she was gunned down.

“We can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord,” publicist Heather Walsh said in a statement on Saturday. The Orlando Police Department also confirmed the death of “The Voice” singer.

Police said the singer was performing with the band, Before You Exit, at the Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida. The concert ended around 10 p.m. at night and Grimmie was signing autographs when a gunman attacked her. Immediately after the shooting, Grimmie’s brother tackled the unidentified attacker, who then shot and killed himself.

Police said his motive was still not clear. “We don’t know if he was just a crazy fan that followed her on Twitter or on social media. We really don’t know,” spokeswoman Wanda Miglio said at a news conference. “Her brother is a hero for saving and stopping him from not hurting anyone else,” she added.

The singer was rushed to the Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Grimmie finished third in the sixth season of NBC’s “The Voice.” The singer, originally from New Jersey, has a huge following on YouTube.

NBC expressed its regrets at her death in a tweet.

 

The band Before You Exit, which was performing with Grimmie on the fateful night, said in a statement, “She was an absolutely incredible musician and an even better friend. We are so saddened by her passing and are completely heartbroken.”

Before You Exit’s Adam Levine posted his message on Instagram. “I’m sad, shocked and confused. We love you so much Grimmie,” he wrote.

Pop star Nick Jonas also expressed his sadness through a Twitter post.

mg/rc (AP, dpa)

 

Genocide 101’ Benefit Concert Set for Sunday after Rally For Justice

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Genocide-101-Poster-GEN-20160313On Sunday, April 24, after the Rally For Justice at the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles, community members and artists will come together to raise awareness about genocide prevention and education through the “Genocide 101” benefit concert. Recently, Asbarez caught of with concern organizer and musician Antranig Kzirian, who talked about concert in an email.

Asbarez: What is Genocide 101?

ANTRANIG KZIRIAN.: This concert embodies the enduring nature of the Armenian spirit. Equal parts art, activism and altruism. In harmony with these broad ideas, Genocide 101, at its core, is an artistic social justice fundraising concert dedicated to two primary objectives:

  1. raising awareness of and commemorating the 101st Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide through a celebration of the survival, perseverance and flourishing of the Armenian Nation and
  2. providing an outlet for artists and the community to support worthwhile, needy causes that address areas of concern that impact and advance the Armenian Cause.

The event is designed to provide a family oriented atmosphere where the community can come together to enjoy the creativity and artistic interpretations of talented local artists. We are very fortunate here in Los Angeles to have such a diverse array of musicians and performers. What better way to contribute to the Armenian Cause then to feature artists who deliver an uplifting message of how our community and people have persevered and prospered after enduring such hardship?

The concert will take place on Sunday, April 24, 2016, beginning at 6 pm at Beyond the Stars Palace in Glendale, located at 417 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203. Tickets are available through http://www.itsmyseat.com/genocide101

Given the importance of April 24, we elected to schedule this year’s show to begin at 6 pm to allow for everyone to attend the “Rally for Justice” community wide protest at the Turkish Consulate which begins at 1 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the first performance beginning at 6:30 pm.

Asbarez: What is the line up of the concert?

A.K.: There is an exciting lineup of artists set to perform this year. We have two tremendous male vocalists in Kevork Artinian and Heibert Sarian. If you have not heard them yet this is your chance. String Harmonies will be offering up their innovative style of virtuosic and high energy traditional music. Armenian Public Radio is a prominent acoustic folk trio reimagining classic selections. Delayed is a jazz and electronica based fusion project featuring the cello. Community favorite Greg Hosharian will perform with his trio, and also he will accompany female vocalist extraordinaire Alene Arustamian. Alique and Krista from Green Kard will round out the evening with their soulful blend of acoustic folk, blues, soft rock and Armenian tunes. DJ HyeFx will spin throughout the evening during breaks between artists, and AYF Representative Aram Manoukian will serve as Master of Ceremonies and deliver the evening’s inspiring message of taking action to make a difference.

Asbarez: How have the artists and organizers worked with the community?

A.K.: We are very pleased to enjoy the support, participation and involvement of various organizations representing a broad cross section of the community here in Southern California. As an AYF alumnus I am intimately aware of how impactful its programs can be for our youth both here and abroad. As our youth is such an integral part of our future, that is why AYF Youth Corps is one of the recipients of our concerts proceeds. We also are happy to support other worthwhile and needy causes, such as Ferrahian, a community pillar and educational institution which has helped shape generations of local Armenians. Additionally, with the recent flare up of hostilities in Artsakh, we are proud to include the Paros Foundation as one of our recipients for funding. Offering a lending hand to the families of fallen soldiers and civilian casualties takes on added significance during these difficult times. Finally, the ANC is involved with raising awareness about the show and these notable causes. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge our hard working and dedicated artists and organizing committee, who all perform and participate gratis volunteering their time and efforts to help make the show a success. All concert proceeds, in their entirety, will be donated to the above causes.

Asbarez: How do you believe this concert and music help advance our cause and help us make a statement on April 24?

A.K.: It is a call to “arms” so speak. Not in the literal sense, but as embodying a unification of purpose. Art is a unique and powerful medium through which messages can be communicated to society. Music resonates with our minds, our souls and our sense of perception. Music can elicit particular emotions and evoke contemplation at the deepest levels of our thought process to persuade us to think about a topic or dynamic in the world around us. Simply put, music can serve as a catalyst and artistic form of advocacy and support for a cause. The history of art as a force with which to be reckoned is will documented. There is a great convergence between art and politics – the Russian Tsars feared that “anything outstanding or original in the way of creative thought was a jarring note and a stride toward revolution” – others like famed theorist Boris Groys stated that “Art has its own power in the world, and is as much a force in the power play of global politics today as it once was in the arena of cold war politics”.

I always viewed this convergence as involving interesting and creative ways to supplement and make policy more effective – whether through music, poetry, film, etc. When you add all that up, it’s a great fit with our two main objectives of raising awareness of April 24 and contributing funds to needy charitable causes.

Asbarez: What needs to take place for this concert to be successful and have an effective impact and what for you is the best outcome?

A.K.: In some ways, it is already a success by virtue of the support we have received thus far. Everyone remains very grateful for the community and organizations that back this event. We will feel even more fulfilled as long as we can maximize attendance to help these causes as much as possible, in addition to cultivating an environment where attendees can enjoy the concert and experience a sense of inspiration and passion to do something positive for the Armenian Cause in one way or another. The best outcome would be an entertaining and enjoyable evening of good music and a strong sense of purpose knowing we are helping those in need through our efforts.

Genocide 101 concert to mark, raise awareness of Armenians’ massacres

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208391As the Armenian Diaspora and human rights activists from around the world prepare for the 101st Anniversary Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, Angelenos will join community artists to raise awareness of genocide prevention and education through the “Genocide 101” concert, Asbarez reports.

“Genocide 101” is a social justice concert dedicated to raising awareness of the Armenian Genocide. For the past several years, socially conscious artists in the Los Angeles area have come together to work with the community through music, activism and commemoration. String Harmonies, Heibert, Kevork Artinian, the Greg Hosharian Trio, Armenian Public Radio, Alique and Krista of Green KARD will take the stage on April 24, 2016 at the Beyond the Stars Palace Theatre in Glendale.

Various community organizations, such as the Armenian Youth Federation – Western Region, Ferrahian Alumni Association and Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region will be working together for this event in coordination with the organizers for an exciting and energetic show.

This year, proceeds from the concert will be donated to two needy organizational projects. The Armenian Youth Federation’s Youth Corps 6-week program provides a memorable and productive opportunity for youth to establish and strengthen ties with the homeland.

The concert will also provide funds to facilitate improvements to the Ferrahian school’s campuses and programs, through the Ferrahian Alumni Association (FAA). The FAA’s goal is to establish a social networking venue for alumni members and to provide a familiar atmosphere where alumni can enrich their lives by exploring and sharing common interests, exchanging ideas, and promoting awareness of the Armenian culture, language, heritage and society.

Related links:

Asbarez. ‘Genocide 101′ Concert to Commemorate Armenian Genocide on April 24

Yanni to broadcast Egypt concert from pyramids

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0,,18632759_303,00-1Yanni, the prolific New Age composer known for extravagant live performances, plans a busy 2016 that includes a broadcast of a concert at the ancient pyramids at Giza.
The Greek-born, US-based keyboardist announced that “Yanni: The Dream Concert — Live from the Great Pyramids of Egypt,” will air on US public broadcaster PBS in March, Al-Arabiya reports.

Yanni played his first-ever concert in Egypt in October, bringing an orchestra and an accompanying light show to the pyramids.
The showcase of the ancient wonder could offer a publicity boon for Egypt as it struggles to ease overseas tourists’ safety concerns.
At the same time, a number of Egyptians complained on social media that Yanni’s two shows were too expensive for them.
The concert film will be Yanni’s 12th for PBS. The first, and most famous, was a concert by Yanni at the Acropolis in his native Greece recorded in 1993.
Yanni on January 29 will also release a new album, “Sensuous Chill,” which his label said would include a track with a touch of bhangra, the energetic dance music with roots in Punjab.
Yanni plans a tour across North America for the album, starting on February 2 in Sarasota, Florida.
Yanni, whose real name is Yiannis Chryssomallis, is one of the defining artists in New Age, the genre that brings a spiritual dimension to instrumental electronic music that often has classical form as well as global influences.Yanni, the prolific New Age composer known for extravagant live performances, plans a busy 2016 that includes a broadcast of a concert at the ancient pyramids at Giza.
The Greek-born, U.S.-based keyboardist announced that “Yanni: The Dream Concert — Live from the Great Pyramids of Egypt,” will air on US public broadcaster PBS in March.
Yanni played his first-ever concert in Egypt in October, bringing an orchestra and an accompanying light show to the pyramids.
The showcase of the ancient wonder could offer a publicity boon for Egypt as it struggles to ease overseas tourists’ safety concerns.
At the same time, a number of Egyptians complained on social media that Yanni’s two shows were too expensive for them.
The concert film will be Yanni’s 12th for PBS. The first, and most famous, was a concert by Yanni at the Acropolis in his native Greece recorded in 1993.
Yanni on January 29 will also release a new album, “Sensuous Chill,” which his label said would include a track with a touch of bhangra, the energetic dance music with roots in Punjab.
Yanni plans a tour across North America for the album, starting on February 2 in Sarasota, Florida.
Yanni, whose real name is Yiannis Chryssomallis, is one of the defining artists in New Age, the genre that brings a spiritual dimension to instrumental electronic music that often has classical form as well as global influences.

Vienna concert commemorates Armenian Genocide centennial

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200384Vienna hosted “With you, Armenia” concert commemorating the Genocide centennial on Saturday, November 7.

According to Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, the concert was organized by the Armenian Genocide centennial committee, Armenia’s Ministry of Culture, and the country’s Embassy to Austria, in cooperation with Yerevan Perspectives International Music Festival.

The event took place at famous Wiener Musikverein concert hall’s main stage in the Grosser Saal.

Violinist Emmanuel Tjeknavorian, pianist Nare Aghramanyan, world famous cellist Mischa Maisky and his family trio played works by Komitas, Babajanian, Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Bizet and other composers. A group of prominent opera singers, including Liana Harutyunyan, Hovhannes Ayvazyan, Varduhi Khachatryan and Barsegh Tumanyan performed Mozart’s Requiem to the accompaniment of Camerata Salzburg chamber orchestra.

Ambassadors to Austria, heads of various international missions, diplomats, politicians, and Austrian-Armenian community members attended the event.

—————————–   Armenia Genocide  —————————

The Armenian Genocide

The Armenian Genocide (1915-23) was the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I. It was characterized by massacres, and deportations involving forced marches under conditions designed to lead to the death of the deportees, with the total number of deaths reaching 1.5 million.

The majority of Armenian Diaspora communities were formed by the Genocide survivors.

Present-day Turkey denies the fact of the Armenian Genocide, justifying the atrocities as “deportation to secure Armenians”. Only a few Turkish intellectuals, including Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk and scholar Taner Akcam, speak openly about the necessity to recognize this crime against humanity.

The Armenian Genocide was recognized by Uruguay, Russia, France, Lithuania, the Italian Chamber of Deputies, majority of U.S. states, parliaments of Greece, Cyprus, Argentina, Belgium and Wales, National Council of Switzerland, Chamber of Commons of Canada, Polish Sejm, Vatican, European Parliament and the World Council of Churches.